Multi-Speed Transmission

ABSTRACT

A multi-speed transmission has three planetary gear sets and six torque-transmitting mechanism packaged in various ones of five zones within a transmission cavity. Each planetary gear set has a ring gear member, a sun gear member and a carrier member that rotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears that intermesh with both the sun gear member and the ring gear member. Certain members are continuously connected for common rotation. Specifically, an interconnecting member continuously interconnects for common rotation the carrier member of the first planetary gear set, the sun gear member of the second planetary gear set and the ring gear member of the third planetary gear set. Additionally, the sun gear member of the first planetary gear set is grounded to the transmission casing via a radially-extending structural member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/867,683, filed Nov. 29, 2006, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a multi-speed transmission for a vehicleproviding a plurality of forward speed ratios and at least one reversespeed ratio through selective engagement of six torque-transmittingmechanisms located in a selected zone or zones of the transmission.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Multi-speed transmissions in automotive vehicles allow for operatingefficiency and smooth feel. Multiple planetary gear sets have beenutilized to provide eight or more forward speed ratios with relativelyefficient packaging due to the compact nature of planetary gear sets. Anumber of selectively engagable torque-transmitting mechanisms arecontrolled to interconnect different members of the planetary gear setswith one another, with the transmission casing, or sometimes with thetransmission input or output member to achieve the various speed ratios.Efficient packaging of the torque-transmitting mechanisms helps tominimize the overall dimensions of the transmission, potentiallyallowing its use in more vehicle platforms, reducing weight, andminimizing manufacturing complexity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A multi-speed transmission is provided with three planetary gear sets,each having a ring gear member, a sun gear member and a carrier memberthat rotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears that intermesh withboth the sun gear member and the ring gear member. Certain members ofthe gear sets are continuously connected for common rotation.Specifically, an interconnecting member continuously interconnects forcommon rotation the carrier member of the first planetary gear set, thesun gear member of the second planetary gear set and the ring gearmember of the third planetary gear set. Additionally, the sun gearmember of the first planetary gear set is continuously grounded to thetransmission casing.

Preferably, an input member is continuously interconnected for commonrotation with the sun gear member of the third planetary gear set, andan output member is continuously interconnected for common rotation withthe ring gear member of the second planetary gear set.

Six torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engagable to connectselected members of the planetary gear sets for common rotation. The sixtorque-transmitting mechanisms are engagable in different combinationsto achieve eight forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio betweenthe input member and the output member.

A transmission casing surrounds the planetary gear sets andtorque-transmitting mechanisms and defines a cavity having fivedifferent zones. The transmission casing includes opposing first andsecond end walls and a housing portion therebetween. As used herein, a“zone” is a portion of the cavity. A first zone extends axially from thefirst end wall to one of the planetary gear sets. A second and a thirdzone each extends between different adjacent pairs of the planetary gearsets. A fourth zone extends from another one of the planetary gear setsto the second end wall. Each of the first, second, third, and fourthzones extends radially to an outer surface of a radially-outermost oneof the members. A fifth zone borders the first, second, third, andfourth zones, extends radially outward to the housing portion andextends axially between the first and second end walls.

Each torque-transmitting mechanism may be located in selected ones ofthe zones that further desirability of (i) minimizing the overall sizeof the transmission, (ii) reducing weight, (iii) providing a convenientlocation for hydraulic feed to the torque-transmitting mechanism, suchas by locating the torque-transmitting mechanism close to thetransmission casing or to a centrally-located shaft, both of whichtypically define at least part of a feed path to supply hydraulic fluidto torque-transmitting mechanisms, and (iv) reducing the overallcomplexity (e.g., the number, shape and size of hub members and otherinterconnecting members used to connect members of the planetary gearsets with one another or with the transmission casing). Differentembodiments of the transmission are possible by arranging the planetarygear sets in a different order (e.g., the order moving axially from thefirst end wall to the second end wall) in the transmission. The sixtorque-transmitting mechanisms are located in at least one of the fivezones in each such embodiment within the scope of the invention.

Preferably, the sun gear member of the first planetary gear set iscontinuously grounded to the transmission casing via aradially-extending structural member. At least one of thetorque-transmitting mechanisms selectively grounds one of the members ofone of the planetary gear sets to the transmission casing via theradially-extending structural member.

The above features and advantages and other features and advantages ofthe present invention are readily apparent from the following detaileddescription of the best modes for carrying out the invention when takenin connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a schematic, cross-sectional, partially fragmentaryillustration of a first embodiment of a multi-speed transmission withinthe scope of the invention;

FIG. 1B is a chart listing the selected zones of the transmission casingof the transmission of FIG. 1A in which various torque-transmittingmechanisms may be located;

FIG. 2A is a schematic, cross-sectional, partially fragmentaryillustration of a second embodiment of a multi-speed transmission withinthe scope of the invention;

FIG. 2B is a chart listing the selected zones of the transmission casingof the transmission of FIG. 2A in which various torque-transmittingmechanisms may be located;

FIG. 3A is a schematic, cross-sectional, partially fragmentaryillustration of a third embodiment of a multi-speed transmission withinthe scope of the invention;

FIG. 3B is a chart listing the selected zones of the transmission casingof the transmission of FIG. 3A in which various torque-transmittingmechanisms may be located;

FIG. 4A is a schematic, cross-sectional, partially fragmentaryillustration of a fourth embodiment of a multi-speed transmission withinthe scope of the invention;

FIG. 4B is a chart listing the selected zones of the transmission casingof the transmission of FIG. 4A in which various torque-transmittingmechanisms may be located;

FIG. 5A is a schematic, cross-sectional, partially fragmentaryillustration of a fifth embodiment of a multi-speed transmission withinthe scope of the invention;

FIG. 5B is a chart listing the selected zones of the transmission casingof the transmission of FIG. 5A in which various torque-transmittingmechanisms may be located;

FIG. 6A is a schematic, cross-sectional, partially fragmentaryillustration of a sixth embodiment of a multi-speed transmission withinthe scope of the invention;

FIG. 6B is a chart listing the selected zones of the transmission casingof the transmission of FIG. 6A in which various torque-transmittingmechanisms may be located;

FIG. 7A is a schematic, cross-sectional, partially fragmentaryillustration of a seventh embodiment of a multi-speed transmissionwithin the scope of the invention;

FIG. 7B is a chart listing the selected zones of the transmission casingof the transmission of FIG. 7A in which various torque-transmittingmechanisms may be located;

FIG. 8A is a schematic, cross-sectional, partially fragmentaryillustration of an eighth embodiment of a multi-speed transmissionwithin the scope of the invention;

FIG. 8B is a chart listing the selected zones of the transmission casingof the transmission of FIG. 8A in which various torque-transmittingmechanisms may be located;

FIG. 9A is a schematic, cross-sectional, partially fragmentaryillustration of a ninth embodiment of a multi-speed transmission withinthe scope of the invention; and

FIG. 9B is a chart listing the selected zones of the transmission casingof the transmission of FIG. 9A in which various torque-transmittingmechanisms may be located.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to likecomponents, FIG. 1A shows a transmission 10 having an input member 12for receiving power from a power source such as an internal combustionengine and output member 14 for delivering power to a final drivemechanism such as the wheels of a vehicle.

The transmission 10 includes a gearing arrangement 16 having threeplanetary gear sets 20, 30 and 40 and six selectively engagabletorque-transmitting mechanisms 50, 52, 54, 56, 57 and 58. Each planetarygear set 20, 30 and 40 includes rotatable components concentric with acenterline 60 of the transmission 10. Specifically, planetary gear set20 includes a sun gear member 22, a ring gear member 24 and a carriermember 26 that rotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears 27 thatintermesh with both the sun gear member 22 and the ring gear member 24.Planetary gear set 30 includes a sun gear member 32, a ring gear member34 and a carrier member 36 that rotatably supports a plurality of piniongears 37 that intermesh with both the sun gear member 32 and the ringgear member 34. Planetary gear set 40 includes a sun gear member 42, aring gear member 44 and a carrier member 46 that rotatably supports aplurality of pinion gears 47 that intermesh with both the sun gearmember 42 and the ring gear member 44.

In referring to the first, second and third gear planetary gear sets inthis description and in the claims, these sets may be counted “first” to“third” in any order in the drawings (i.e., left to right, right toleft, etc.). In the embodiment of FIG. 1A, planetary gear set 30 is thefirst planetary gear set, planetary gear set 40 is the second planetarygear set, and planetary gear set 20 is the third planetary gear set.

The input member 12 is continuously connected for common rotation withsun gear member 22. The output member 14 is continuously connected forcommon rotation with ring gear member 44. An interconnecting member 70continuously interconnects ring gear member 24 with carrier member 36and sun gear member 42. The interconnecting member 70 may be onecomponent or multiple components. The sun gear member 32 is continuouslygrounded to a housing 80 (also referred to herein as a housing portion)of the transmission 10 via a radially-extending structural member 81.The housing 80 circumferentially surrounds the gear sets 20, 30 and 40as well as the torque-transmitting mechanisms 50, 52, 54, 56, 57 and 58.The transmission 10 further includes a first end wall 82 generally atone end of the transmission 10 and a second end wall 84 generally at anopposing end of the transmission 10. The housing 80 joins the first andsecond end walls 82, 84. It should be appreciated that the housing 80and the first and second end walls 82, 84 form a transmission casing,and may be integrated, or may each be a separate component or componentsof the casing. The transmission casing may be referred to herein as 80,82, 84. The transmission casing 80, 82, 84 defines a cavity 85. The endwalls 82 and 84 enclose the cavity 85 axially, but are likely a conicalor irregular shape rather than a planar shape as schematically depicted.

The planetary gear sets 20, 30, and 40 and torque-transmittingmechanisms 50, 52, 54, 56, 57, and 58 are located in the cavity 85. Thehousing 80, end walls 82 and 84 and the planetary gear sets 20, 30 and40 cooperate to define five spaces or zones within the cavity 85. Afirst zone I is defined between an outer surface 86 of the first endwall 82 and a plane 88 running generally parallel with a side of theplanetary gear set 20 adjacent the first end wall 82, and runs radiallyoutward to a circumferential boundary 90 running along aradially-outermost periphery of each of the ring gear members 24, 34 and44. A second zone II is defined between a plane 92 running generallyparallel along a side of the planetary gear set 20 facing the planetarygear set 30, a plane 94 running generally parallel along a side of theplanetary gear set 30 facing the planetary gear set 20 and thecircumferential boundary 90. A third zone III is defined between a plane95 running generally parallel along a side of the planetary gear set 30facing the planetary gear set 40, a plane 96 running generally parallelalong a side of the planetary gear set 40 facing the planetary gear set30 and the circumferential boundary 90. A fourth zone IV is definedbetween a plane 97 running generally parallel along a side of theplanetary gear set 40 facing the second end wall 84, an outer surface 98of the second end wall 84 and the circumferential boundary 90. A fifthzone V is defined between the circumferential boundary 90, an outersurface 99 of the housing 80, and the outer surfaces 86 and 98 of thefirst and second end walls 82 and 84, respectively. The structuralmember 81 traverses zones III and V.

Torque-transmitting mechanisms 50, 52, 54, and 56 are rotating-typeclutches and torque-transmitting mechanisms 57 and 58 are brakes, alsoreferred to as reaction clutches or stationary clutches.Torque-transmitting mechanism 50 is selectively engagable to connect thecarrier member 26 for common rotation with the ring gear member 34. Thetorque-transmitting mechanism 52 is selectively engagable to connect theinput member 12 and the sun gear member 22 for common rotation with thering gear member 34. The torque-transmitting mechanism 54 is selectivelyengagable to connect the carrier member 26 for common rotation with thecarrier member 46. The torque-transmitting mechanism 56 is selectivelyengagable to connect the input member 12 and the sun gear member 22 forcommon rotation with the carrier member 46. The torque-transmittingmechanism 57 is selectively engagable to ground the carrier member 36(as well as the ring gear member 24 and sun gear member 42) to thetransmission housing 80 via the structural member 81. Thetorque-transmitting mechanism 58 is selectively engagable to ground thecarrier member 46 to the transmission housing 80 via the structuralmember 81.

The transmission 10 provides eight forward speed ratios and one reversespeed ratio between the input member 12 and the output member 14.Specifically, a reverse speed ratio is established by engagingtorque-transmitting mechanisms 52 and 58; a first forward speed ratio isestablished by engaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 54 and 58; asecond forward speed ratio is established by engagingtorque-transmitting mechanisms 54 and 57; a third forward speed ratio isestablished by engaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 50 and 54; afourth forward speed ratio is established by engagingtorque-transmitting mechanisms 52 and 54; a fifth forward speed ratio isestablished by engaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 54 and 56; asixth forward speed ratio is established by engaging torque-transmittingmechanisms 52 and 56; a seventh forward speed ratio is established byengaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 50 and 56; and an eighth forwardspeed ratio is established by engaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 56and 57. Preferably, in all embodiments of the invention, at least threeof the speed ratios are overdrive ratios.

As shown in FIG. 1A, torque-transmitting mechanisms 54 and 56 arelocated in zone II; torque-transmitting mechanisms 57 and 58 aredisposed in zone III; and torque-transmitting mechanisms 50 and 52 aredisposed in zone V. Alternatively, the interconnections between thevarious gear members, the input member 12, the output member 14 and thehousing 80 obtained by selective engagement of the varioustorque-transmitting mechanism as described above are possible with thetorque-transmitting mechanisms 50, 52, 54, 56, 57 and 58 disposed inother zones as shown in the chart of FIG. 1B. An “X” in the chart ofFIG. 1B shown below indicates that the particular torque-transmittingmechanism is positionable in the referenced zone and an “O” indicatesthat the particular torque-transmitting mechanisms are not to be locatedin the referenced zone. It should be appreciated that the selection oflocation for the torque-transmitting mechanism of each row in the chartof FIG. 1B is feasible independently of the other rows. Accordingly,torque-transmitting mechanism 50 is locatable in any of four possiblezones; torque-transmitting mechanism 52 is locatable in any of fourpossible zones; torque-transmitting mechanism 54 is locatable in any ofthree possible zones; torque transmitting mechanism 56 is locatable inany of three possible zones; torque-transmitting mechanism 57 islocatable in any of two possible zones; and torque-transmittingmechanism 58 is locatable in any of three possible zones.

A second embodiment of a transmission 100 within the scope of theinvention is shown in FIG. 2A. Transmission 100 has an input member 112for receiving power from a power source such as an internal combustionengine and output member 114 for delivering power to a final drivemechanism such as the wheels of a vehicle. Both the input member 112 andthe output member 114 extend through a first end wall 182 of thetransmission 100.

The transmission 100 includes a gearing arrangement 116 having threeplanetary gear sets 120, 130 and 140 and six selectively engagabletorque-transmitting mechanisms 150, 152, 154, 156, 157 and 158. In theembodiment of FIG. 2A, planetary gear set 140 is the first planetarygear set, planetary gear set 120 is the second planetary gear set, andplanetary gear set 130 is the third planetary gear set.

Each planetary gear set 120, 130 and 140 includes rotatable componentsconcentric with a centerline 160 of the transmission 100. Specifically,planetary gear set 120 includes a sun gear member 122, a ring gearmember 124 and a carrier member 126 that rotatably supports a pluralityof pinion gears 127 that intermesh with both the sun gear member 122 andthe ring gear member 124. Planetary gear set 130 includes a sun gearmember 132, a ring gear member 134 and a carrier member 136 thatrotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears 137 that intermesh withboth the sun gear member 132 and the ring gear member 134. Planetarygear set 140 includes a sun gear member 142, a ring gear member 144 anda carrier member 146 that rotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears147 that intermesh with both the sun gear member 142 and the ring gearmember 144.

The input member 112 is continuously connected for common rotation withsun gear member 132. The output member 114 is continuously connected forcommon rotation with ring gear member 124. An interconnecting member 170continuously interconnects ring gear member 134 with carrier member 146and sun gear member 122. The interconnecting member 170 may be onecomponent or multiple components. The sun gear member 142 iscontinuously grounded to a housing 180 of the transmission 100 via aradially-extending structural member 181. The housing 180circumferentially surrounds the gear sets 120, 130 and 140 as well asthe torque-transmitting mechanisms 150, 152, 154, 156, 157 and 158. Thetransmission 100 further includes a first end wall 182 generally at oneend of the transmission 100 and a second end wall 184 generally at anopposing end of the transmission 100. The housing 180 joins the firstand second end walls 182, 184. It should be appreciated that the housing180 and the first and second end walls 182, 184 form a transmissioncasing, and may be integrated, or may each be a separate component orcomponents of the casing. The transmission casing may be referred toherein as 180, 182, 184. The transmission casing 180, 182, 184 defines acavity 185. The end walls 182 and 184 enclose the cavity 185 axially,but are likely a conical or irregular shape rather than a planar shapeas schematically depicted.

The planetary gear sets 120, 130, and 140 and torque-transmittingmechanisms 150, 152, 154, 156, 157, and 158 are located in the cavity185. The housing 180, end walls 182 and 184 and the planetary gear sets120, 130 and 140 cooperate to define five spaces or zones within thecavity 185. A first zone I is defined between an outer surface 186 ofthe first end wall 182 and a plane 188 running generally parallel with aside of the planetary gear set 120 adjacent the first end wall 182, andruns radially outward to a circumferential boundary 190 running along aradially-outermost periphery of each of the ring gear members 124, 134and 144. A second zone II is defined between a plane 192 runninggenerally parallel along a side of the planetary gear set 120 facing theplanetary gear set 130, a plane 194 running generally parallel along aside of the planetary gear set 130 facing the planetary gear set 120 andthe circumferential boundary 190. A third zone III is defined between aplane 195 running generally parallel along a side of the planetary gearset 130 facing the planetary gear set 140, a plane 196 running generallyparallel along a side of the planetary gear set 140 facing the planetarygear set 130 and the circumferential boundary 190. A fourth zone IV isdefined between a plane 197 running generally parallel along a side ofthe planetary gear set 140 facing the second end wall 184, an outersurface 198 of the second end wall 184 and the circumferential boundary190. A fifth zone V is defined between the circumferential boundary 190,an outer surface 199 of the housing 180, and the outer surfaces 186 and198 of the first and second end walls 182 and 184, respectively. Thestructural member 181 traverses zones III and V.

Torque-transmitting mechanisms 150, 152, 154, and 156 are rotating-typeclutches and torque-transmitting mechanisms 157 and 158 are brakes, alsoreferred to as reaction clutches. Torque-transmitting mechanism 150 isselectively engagable to connect the carrier member 136 for commonrotation with the ring gear member 144. The torque-transmittingmechanism 152 is selectively engagable to connect the input member 112and the sun gear member 132 for common rotation with the ring gearmember 144. The torque-transmitting mechanism 154 is selectivelyengagable to connect the carrier member 126 for common rotation with thecarrier member 136. The torque-transmitting mechanism 156 is selectivelyengagable to connect the input member 112 and the sun gear member 132for common rotation with the carrier member 126. The torque-transmittingmechanism 157 is selectively engagable to ground the carrier member 146(as well as the sun gear member 122 and ring gear member 134) to thetransmission housing 180 via the structural member 181. Thetorque-transmitting mechanism 158 is selectively engagable to ground thecarrier member 126 to the transmission housing 180 via the structuralmember 181.

The transmission 100 provides eight forward speed ratios and one reversespeed ratio between the input member 112 and the output member 114.Specifically, a reverse speed ratio is established by engagingtorque-transmitting mechanisms 152 and 158; a first forward speed ratiois established by engaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 154 and 158; asecond forward speed ratio is established by engagingtorque-transmitting mechanisms 154 and 157; a third forward speed ratiois established by engaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 150 and 154; afourth forward speed ratio is established by engagingtorque-transmitting mechanisms 152 and 154; a fifth forward speed ratiois established by engaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 154 and 156; asixth forward speed ratio is established by engaging torque-transmittingmechanisms 152 and 156; a seventh forward speed ratio is established byengaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 150 and 156; and an eighthforward speed ratio is established by engaging torque-transmittingmechanisms 156 and 157.

As shown in FIG. 2A, torque-transmitting mechanism 156 is located inzone I; torque-transmitting mechanisms 154 and 158 are located in zoneII; torque-transmitting mechanisms 150 and 152 are disposed in zone III;and torque-transmitting mechanism 157 is disposed in zone V.Alternatively, the interconnections between the various gear members,the input member 112, the output member 114 and the housing 180 obtainedby selective engagement of the various torque-transmitting mechanism asdescribed above are possible with the torque-transmitting mechanisms150, 152, 154, 156, 157 and 158 disposed in other zones as shown in thechart II of FIG. 2B. An “X” in the chart of FIG. 2B indicates that theparticular torque-transmitting mechanism is positionable in thereferenced zone and an “O” indicates that the particulartorque-transmitting mechanisms are not to be located in the referencedzone. It should be appreciated that the selection of location for thetorque-transmitting mechanism of each row in the chart of FIG. 2B isfeasible independently of the other rows. Accordingly,torque-transmitting mechanism 150 is locatable in any of three possiblezones; torque-transmitting mechanism 152 is locatable in any of fourpossible zones; torque-transmitting mechanism 154 is locatable in any ofthree possible zones; torque transmitting mechanism 156 is locatable inany of three possible zones; torque-transmitting mechanism 157 islocatable in any of three possible zones; and torque-transmittingmechanism 158 is locatable in any of four possible zones.

A third embodiment of a transmission 200 within the scope of theinvention is shown in FIG. 3A. Transmission 200 has an input member 212for receiving power from a power source such as an internal combustionengine and output member 214 for delivering power to a final drivemechanism such as the wheels of a vehicle. Both the input member 212 andthe output member 214 extend through a first end wall 282 of thetransmission 200.

The transmission 200 includes a gearing arrangement 216 having threeplanetary gear sets 220, 230 and 240 and six selectively engagabletorque-transmitting mechanisms 250, 252, 254, 256, 257 and 258. In theembodiment of FIG. 3A, planetary gear set 240 is the first planetarygear set, planetary gear set 220 is the second planetary gear set, andplanetary gear set 230 is the third planetary gear set.

Each planetary gear set 220, 230 and 240 includes rotatable componentsconcentric with a centerline 260 of the transmission 200. Specifically,planetary gear set 220 includes a sun gear member 222, a ring gearmember 224 and a carrier member 226 that rotatably supports a pluralityof pinion gears 227 that intermesh with both the sun gear member 222 andthe ring gear member 224. Planetary gear set 230 includes a sun gearmember 232, a ring gear member 234 and a carrier member 236 thatrotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears 237 that intermesh withboth the sun gear member 232 and the ring gear member 234. Planetarygear set 240 includes a sun gear member 242, a ring gear member 244 anda carrier member 246 that rotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears247 that intermesh with both the sun gear member 242 and the ring gearmember 244.

The input member 212 is continuously connected for common rotation withsun gear member 232. The output member 214 is continuously connected forcommon rotation with ring gear member 224. An interconnecting member 270continuously interconnects ring gear member 234 with carrier member 246and sun gear member 222. The interconnecting member 270 may be onecomponent or multiple components. The sun gear member 242 iscontinuously grounded to a housing 280 of the transmission 200 via aradially-extending structural member 281. The housing 280circumferentially surrounds the gear sets 220, 230 and 240 as well asthe torque-transmitting mechanisms 250, 252, 254, 256, 257 and 258. Thetransmission 200 further includes a first end wall 282 generally at oneend of the transmission 200 and a second end wall 284 generally at anopposing end of the transmission 200. The housing 280 joins the firstand second end walls 282, 284. It should be appreciated that the housing280 and the first and second end walls 282, 284 form a transmissioncasing, and may be integrated, or may each be a separate component orcomponents of the casing. The transmission casing may be referred toherein as 280, 282, 284. The transmission casing 280, 282, 284 defines acavity 285. The end walls 282 and 284 enclose the cavity 285 axially,but are likely a conical or irregular shape rather than a planar shapeas schematically depicted.

The planetary gear sets 220, 230, and 240 and torque-transmittingmechanisms 250, 252, 254, 256, 257, and 258 are located in the cavity285. The housing 280, end walls 282 and 284 and the planetary gear sets220, 230 and 240 cooperate to define five spaces or zones within thecavity 285. A first zone I is defined between an outer surface 286 ofthe first end wall 282 and a plane 288 running generally parallel with aside of the planetary gear set 220 adjacent the first end wall 282, andruns radially outward to a circumferential boundary 290 running along aradially-outermost periphery of each of the ring gear members 224, 234and 244. A second zone II is defined between a plane 292 runninggenerally parallel along a side of the planetary gear set 220 facing theplanetary gear set 230, a plane 294 running generally parallel along aside of the planetary gear set 230 facing the planetary gear set 220 andthe circumferential boundary 290. A third zone III is defined between aplane 295 running generally parallel along a side of the planetary gearset 230 facing the planetary gear set 240, a plane 296 running generallyparallel along a side of the planetary gear set 240 facing the planetarygear set 230 and the circumferential boundary 290. A fourth zone IV isdefined between a plane 297 running generally parallel along a side ofthe planetary gear set 240 facing the second end wall 284, an outersurface 298 of the second end wall 284 and the circumferential boundary290. A fifth zone V is defined between the circumferential boundary 290,an outer surface 299 of the housing 280, and the outer surfaces 286 and298 of the first and second end walls 282 and 284, respectively. Thestructural member 281 traverses zones IV and V.

Torque-transmitting mechanisms 250, 252, 254, and 2156 are rotating-typeclutches and torque-transmitting mechanisms 257 and 258 are brakes, alsoreferred to as reaction clutches. Torque-transmitting mechanism 250 isselectively engagable to connect the carrier member 236 for commonrotation with the ring gear member 244. The torque-transmittingmechanism 252 is selectively engagable to connect the input member 212and the sun gear member 232 for common rotation with the ring gearmember 244. The torque-transmitting mechanism 254 is selectivelyengagable to connect the carrier member 226 for common rotation with thecarrier member 236. The torque-transmitting mechanism 256 is selectivelyengagable to connect the input member 212 and the sun gear member 232for common rotation with the carrier member 226. The torque-transmittingmechanism 257 is selectively engagable to ground the carrier member 246(as well as the sun gear member 222 and ring gear member 234) to thetransmission housing 280 via the structural member 281. Thetorque-transmitting mechanism 258 is selectively engagable to ground thecarrier member 226 to the transmission housing 280 via the structuralmember 281.

The transmission 200 provides eight forward speed ratios and one reversespeed ratio between the input member 212 and the output member 214.Specifically, a reverse speed ratio is established by engagingtorque-transmitting mechanisms 252 and 258; a first forward speed ratiois established by engaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 254 and 258; asecond forward speed ratio is established by engagingtorque-transmitting mechanisms 254 and 257; a third forward speed ratiois established by engaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 250 and 254; afourth forward speed ratio is established by engagingtorque-transmitting mechanisms 252 and 254; a fifth forward speed ratiois established by engaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 254 and 256; asixth forward speed ratio is established by engaging torque-transmittingmechanisms 252 and 256; a seventh forward speed ratio is established byengaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 250 and 256; and an eighthforward speed ratio is established by engaging torque-transmittingmechanisms 256 and 257.

As shown in FIG. 3A, torque-transmitting mechanism 256 is located inzone I; torque-transmitting mechanism 254 is located in zone II;torque-transmitting mechanisms 250 and 252 are disposed in zone III;torque-transmitting mechanism 257 is disposed in zone IV; andtorque-transmitting mechanism 258 is disposed in zone V. Alternatively,the interconnections between the various gear members, the input member212, the output member 214 and the housing 280 obtained by selectiveengagement of the various torque-transmitting mechanism as describedabove are possible with the torque-transmitting mechanisms 250, 252,254, 256, 257 and 258 disposed in other zones as shown in the chart ofFIG. 3B. An “X” in the chart of FIG. 3B indicates that the particulartorque-transmitting mechanism is positionable in the referenced zone andan “O” indicates that the particular torque-transmitting mechanisms arenot to be located in the referenced zone. It should be appreciated thatthe selection of location for the torque-transmitting mechanism of eachrow in the chart of FIG. 3B is feasible independently of the other rows.Accordingly, torque-transmitting mechanism 250 is locatable in any ofthree possible zones; torque-transmitting mechanism 252 is locatable ifany of two possible zones; torque-transmitting mechanism 254 islocatable in any of three possible zones; torque transmitting mechanism256 is locatable in any of three possible zones; torque-transmittingmechanism 257 is locatable in any of four possible zones; andtorque-transmitting mechanism 258 is locatable in any of four possiblezones.

A fourth embodiment of a transmission 300 within the scope of theinvention is shown in FIG. 4A. Transmission 300 has an input member 312for receiving power from a power source such as an internal combustionengine and output member 314 for delivering power to a final drivemechanism such as the wheels of a vehicle.

The transmission 300 includes a gearing arrangement 316 having threeplanetary gear sets 320, 330 and 340 and six selectively engagabletorque-transmitting mechanisms 350, 352, 354, 356, 357 and 358. In theembodiment of FIG. 4A, planetary gear set 320 is the first planetarygear set, planetary gear set 340 is the second planetary gear set, andplanetary gear set 330 is the third planetary gear set.

Each planetary gear set 320, 330 and 340 includes rotatable componentsconcentric with a centerline 360 of the transmission 300. Specifically,planetary gear set 320 includes a sun gear member 322, a ring gearmember 324 and a carrier member 326 that rotatably supports a pluralityof pinion gears 327 that intermesh with both the sun gear member 322 andthe ring gear member 324. Planetary gear set 330 includes a sun gearmember 332, a ring gear member 334 and a carrier member 336 thatrotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears 337 that intermesh withboth the sun gear member 332 and the ring gear member 334. Planetarygear set 340 includes a sun gear member 342, a ring gear member 344 anda carrier member 346 that rotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears347 that intermesh with both the sun gear member 342 and the ring gearmember 344.

The input member 312 is continuously connected for common rotation withsun gear member 332. The output member 314 is continuously connected forcommon rotation with ring gear member 344. An interconnecting member 370continuously interconnects ring gear member 334 with carrier member 326and sun gear member 342. The interconnecting member 370 may be onecomponent or multiple components. The sun gear member 322 iscontinuously grounded to a housing 380 of the transmission 300 via aradially-extending structural member 381. The housing 380circumferentially surrounds the gear sets 320, 330 and 340 as well asthe torque-transmitting mechanisms 350, 352, 354, 356, 357 and 358. Thetransmission 300 further includes a first end wall 382 generally at oneend of the transmission 300 and a second end wall 384 generally at anopposing end of the transmission 300. The housing 380 joins the firstand second end walls 382, 384. It should be appreciated that the housing380 and the first and second end walls 382, 384 form a transmissioncasing, and may be integrated, or may each be a separate component orcomponents of the casing. The transmission casing may be referred toherein as 380, 382, 384. The transmission casing 380, 382, 384 defines acavity 385. The end walls 382 and 384 enclose the cavity 385 axially,but are likely a conical or irregular shape rather than a planar shapeas schematically depicted.

The planetary gear sets 320, 330, and 340 and torque-transmittingmechanisms 350, 352, 354, 356, 357, and 358 are located in the cavity385. The housing 380, end walls 382 and 384 and the planetary gear sets320, 330 and 340 cooperate to define five spaces or zones within thecavity 385. A first zone I is defined between an outer surface 386 ofthe first end wall 382 and a plane 388 running generally parallel with aside of the planetary gear set 320 adjacent the first end wall 382, andruns radially outward to a circumferential boundary 390 running along aradially-outermost surface of each of the ring gear members 324, 334 and344. A second zone II is defined between a plane 392 running generallyparallel along a side of the planetary gear set 320 facing the planetarygear set 330, a plane 394 running generally parallel along a side of theplanetary gear set 330 facing the planetary gear set 320 and thecircumferential boundary 390. A third zone III is defined between aplane 395 running generally parallel along a side of the planetary gearset 330 facing the planetary gear set 340, a plane 396 running generallyparallel along a side of the planetary gear set 340 facing the planetarygear set 330 and the circumferential boundary 390. A fourth zone IV isdefined between a plane 397 running generally parallel along a side ofthe planetary gear set 340 facing the second end wall 384, an outersurface 398 of the second end wall 384 and the circumferential boundary390. A fifth zone V is defined between the circumferential boundary 390,an outer surface 399 of the housing 380, and the outer surfaces 386 and398 of the first and second end walls 382 and 384, respectively. Thestructural member 381 traverses zones I and V.

Torque-transmitting mechanisms 350, 352, 354, and 356 are rotating-typeclutches and torque-transmitting mechanisms 357 and 358 are brakes, alsoreferred to as reaction clutches. Torque-transmitting mechanism 350 isselectively engagable to connect the carrier member 336 for commonrotation with the ring gear member 324. The torque-transmittingmechanism 352 is selectively engagable to connect the input member 312and the sun gear member 332 for common rotation with the ring gearmember 324. The torque-transmitting mechanism 354 is selectivelyengagable to connect the carrier member 336 for common rotation with thecarrier member 346. The torque-transmitting mechanism 356 is selectivelyengagable to connect the input member 312 and the sun gear member 332for common rotation with the carrier member 346. The torque-transmittingmechanism 357 is selectively engagable to ground the carrier member 326(as well as the sun gear member 342 and ring gear member 334) to thetransmission housing 380 via the structural member 381. Thetorque-transmitting mechanism 358 is selectively engagable to ground thecarrier member 346 to the transmission housing 380 via the structuralmember 381.

The transmission 300 provides eight forward speed ratios and one reversespeed ratio between the input member 312 and the output member 314.Specifically, a reverse speed ratio is established by engagingtorque-transmitting mechanisms 352 and 358; a first forward speed ratiois established by engaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 354 and 358; asecond forward speed ratio is established by engagingtorque-transmitting mechanisms 354 and 357; a third forward speed ratiois established by engaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 350 and 354; afourth forward speed ratio is established by engagingtorque-transmitting mechanisms 352 and 354; a fifth forward speed ratiois established by engaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 354 and 356; asixth forward speed ratio is established by engaging torque-transmittingmechanisms 352 and 356; a seventh forward speed ratio is established byengaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 350 and 356; and an eighthforward speed ratio is established by engaging torque-transmittingmechanisms 356 and 357.

As shown in FIG. 4A, torque-transmitting mechanism 357 is located inzone I; torque-transmitting mechanism 352 is located in zone II;torque-transmitting mechanism 354 is disposed in zone III;torque-transmitting mechanism 356 is disposed in zone IV; andtorque-transmitting mechanisms 350 and 358 are disposed in zone V.Alternatively, the interconnections between the various gear members,the input member 312, the output member 314 and the housing 380 obtainedby selective engagement of the various torque-transmitting mechanism asdescribed above are possible with the torque-transmitting mechanisms350, 352, 354, 356, 357 and 358 disposed in other zones as shown in thechart of FIG. 4B. An “X” in the chart of FIG. 4B indicates that theparticular torque-transmitting mechanism is positionable in thereferenced zone and an “O” indicates that the particulartorque-transmitting mechanisms are not to be located in the referencedzone. It should be appreciated that the selection of location for thetorque-transmitting mechanism of each row in the chart of FIG. 4B isfeasible independently of the other rows. Accordingly,torque-transmitting mechanism 350 is locatable in any of three possiblezones; torque-transmitting mechanism 352 is locatable if any of threepossible zones; torque-transmitting mechanism 354 is locatable in any oftwo possible zones; torque transmitting mechanism 356 is locatable inany of two possible zones; torque-transmitting mechanism 357 islocatable in any of four possible zones; and torque-transmittingmechanism 358 is locatable in any of the five possible zones.

A fifth embodiment of a transmission 400 within the scope of theinvention is shown in FIG. 5A. Transmission 400 has an input member 412for receiving power from a power source such as an internal combustionengine and output member 414 for delivering power to a final drivemechanism such as the wheels of a vehicle.

The transmission 400 includes a gearing arrangement 416 having threeplanetary gear sets 420, 430 and 440 and six selectively engagabletorque-transmitting mechanisms 450, 452, 454, 456, 457 and 458. In theembodiment of FIG. 5A, planetary gear set 420 is the first planetarygear set, planetary gear set 440 is the second planetary gear set, andplanetary gear set 430 is the third planetary gear set.

Each planetary gear set 420, 430 and 440 includes rotatable componentsconcentric with a centerline 460 of the transmission 400. Specifically,planetary gear set 420 includes a sun gear member 422, a ring gearmember 424 and a carrier member 426 that rotatably supports a pluralityof pinion gears 427 that intermesh with both the sun gear member 422 andthe ring gear member 424. Planetary gear set 430 includes a sun gearmember 432, a ring gear member 434 and a carrier member 436 thatrotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears 437 that intermesh withboth the sun gear member 432 and the ring gear member 434. Planetarygear set 440 includes a sun gear member 442, a ring gear member 444 anda carrier member 446 that rotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears447 that intermesh with both the sun gear member 442 and the ring gearmember 444.

The input member 412 is continuously connected for common rotation withsun gear member 432. The output member 414 is continuously connected forcommon rotation with ring gear member 444. An interconnecting member 470continuously interconnects ring gear member 434 with carrier member 426and sun gear member 442. The interconnecting member 470 may be onecomponent or multiple components. The sun gear member 422 iscontinuously grounded to a housing 480 of the transmission 400 via aradially-extending structural member 481. The housing 480circumferentially surrounds the gear sets 420, 430 and 440 as well asthe torque-transmitting mechanisms 450, 452, 454, 456, 457 and 458. Thetransmission 400 further includes a first end wall 482 generally at oneend of the transmission 400 and a second end wall 484 generally at anopposing end of the transmission 400. The housing 480 joins the firstand second end walls 482, 484. It should be appreciated that the housing480 and the first and second end walls 482, 484 form a transmissioncasing, and may be integrated, or may each be a separate component orcomponents of the casing. The transmission casing may be referred toherein as 480, 482, 484. The transmission casing 480, 482, 484 defines acavity 485. The end walls 482 and 484 enclose the cavity 485 axially,but are likely a conical or irregular shape rather than a planar shapeas schematically depicted.

The planetary gear sets 420, 430, and 440 and torque-transmittingmechanisms 450, 452, 454, 456, 457, and 458 are located in the cavity485. The housing 480, end walls 482 and 484 and the planetary gear sets420, 430 and 440 cooperate to define five spaces or zones within thecavity 485. A first zone I is defined between an outer surface 486 ofthe first end wall 482 and a plane 488 running generally parallel with aside of the planetary gear set 420 adjacent the first end wall 482, andruns radially outward to a circumferential boundary 490 running along aradially-outermost periphery of each of the ring gear members 424, 434and 444. A second zone II is defined between a plane 492 runninggenerally parallel along a side of the planetary gear set 420 facing theplanetary gear set 430, a plane 494 running generally parallel along aside of the planetary gear set 430 facing the planetary gear set 420 andthe circumferential boundary 490. A third zone III is defined between aplane 495 running generally parallel along a side of the planetary gearset 430 facing the planetary gear set 440, a plane 496 running generallyparallel along a side of the planetary gear set 440 facing the planetarygear set 430 and the circumferential boundary 490. A fourth zone IV isdefined between a plane 497 running generally parallel along a side ofthe planetary gear set 440 facing the second end wall 484, an outersurface 498 of the second end wall 484 and the circumferential boundary490. A fifth zone V is defined between the circumferential boundary 490,an outer surface 499 of the housing 480, and the outer surfaces 486 and498 of the first and second end walls 482 and 484, respectively. Thestructural member 481 traverses zones II and V.

Torque-transmitting mechanisms 450, 452, 454, and 456 are rotating-typeclutches and torque-transmitting mechanisms 457 and 458 are brakes, alsoreferred to as reaction clutches. Torque-transmitting mechanism 450 isselectively engagable to connect the carrier member 436 for commonrotation with the ring gear member 424. The torque-transmittingmechanism 452 is selectively engagable to connect the input member 412and the sun gear member 432 for common rotation with the ring gearmember 424. The torque-transmitting mechanism 454 is selectivelyengagable to connect the carrier member 436 for common rotation with thecarrier member 446. The torque-transmitting mechanism 456 is selectivelyengagable to connect the input member 412 and the sun gear member 432for common rotation with the carrier member 446. The torque-transmittingmechanism 457 is selectively engagable to ground the carrier member 426(as well as the sun gear member 442 and ring gear member 434) to thetransmission housing 480 via the structural member 481. Thetorque-transmitting mechanism 458 is selectively engagable to ground thecarrier member 446 to the transmission housing 480 via the structuralmember 481.

The transmission 400 provides eight forward speed ratios and one reversespeed ratio between the input member 412 and the output member 414.Specifically, a reverse speed ratio is established by engagingtorque-transmitting mechanisms 452 and 458; a first forward speed ratiois established by engaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 454 and 458; asecond forward speed ratio is established by engagingtorque-transmitting mechanisms 454 and 457; a third forward speed ratiois established by engaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 450 and 454; afourth forward speed ratio is established by engagingtorque-transmitting mechanisms 452 and 454; a fifth forward speed ratiois established by engaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 454 and 456; asixth forward speed ratio is established by engaging torque-transmittingmechanisms 452 and 456; a seventh forward speed ratio is established byengaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 450 and 456; and an eighthforward speed ratio is established by engaging torque-transmittingmechanisms 456 and 457.

As shown in FIG. 5A, torque-transmitting mechanism 452 is located inzone I; torque-transmitting mechanisms 450 and 457 are located in zoneII; torque-transmitting mechanism 454 is disposed in zone III;torque-transmitting mechanism 456 is disposed in zone IV; andtorque-transmitting mechanism 458 is disposed in zone V. Alternatively,the interconnections between the various gear members, the input member412, the output member 414 and the housing 480 obtained by selectiveengagement of the various torque-transmitting mechanism as describedabove are possible with the torque-transmitting mechanisms 450, 452,454, 456, 457 and 458 disposed in other zones as shown in the chart ofFIG. 5B. An “X” in the chart of FIG. 5B indicates that the particulartorque-transmitting mechanism is positionable in the referenced zone andan “O” indicates that the particular torque-transmitting mechanisms arenot to be located in the referenced zone. It should be appreciated thatthe selection of location for the torque-transmitting mechanism of eachrow in the chart of FIG. 5B is feasible independently of the other rows.Accordingly, torque-transmitting mechanism 450 is locatable in any ofthree possible zones; torque-transmitting mechanism 452 is locatable inany of three possible zones; torque-transmitting mechanism 454 islocatable in any of two possible zones; torque transmitting mechanism456 is locatable in any of two possible zones; torque-transmittingmechanism 457 is locatable in any of the five possible zones; andtorque-transmitting mechanism 458 is locatable in any of four possiblezones.

A sixth embodiment of a transmission 500 within the scope of theinvention is shown in FIG. 6A. Transmission 500 has an input member 512for receiving power from a power source such as an internal combustionengine and output member 514 for delivering power to a final drivemechanism such as the wheels of a vehicle. Both the input member 512 andthe output member 514 extend through a first end wall 582 of thetransmission 500.

The transmission 500 includes a gearing arrangement 516 having threeplanetary gear sets 520, 530 and 540 and six selectively engagabletorque-transmitting mechanisms 550, 552, 554, 556, 557 and 558. In theembodiment of FIG. 6A, planetary gear set 530 is the first planetarygear set, planetary gear set 520 is the second planetary gear set, andplanetary gear set 540 is the third planetary gear set.

Each planetary gear set 520, 530 and 540 includes rotatable componentsconcentric with a centerline 560 of the transmission 500. Specifically,planetary gear set 520 includes a sun gear member 522, a ring gearmember 524 and a carrier member 526 that rotatably supports a pluralityof pinion gears 527 that intermesh with both the sun gear member 522 andthe ring gear member 524. Planetary gear set 530 includes a sun gearmember 532, a ring gear member 534 and a carrier member 536 thatrotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears 537 that intermesh withboth the sun gear member 532 and the ring gear member 534. Planetarygear set 540 includes a sun gear member 542, a ring gear member 544 anda carrier member 546 that rotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears547 that intermesh with both the sun gear member 542 and the ring gearmember 544.

The input member 512 is continuously connected for common rotation withsun gear member 542. The output member 514 is continuously connected forcommon rotation with ring gear member 524. An interconnecting member 570continuously interconnects ring gear member 544 with carrier member 536and sun gear member 522. The interconnecting member 570 may be onecomponent or multiple components. The sun gear member 532 iscontinuously grounded to a housing 580 of the transmission 500 via aradially-extending structural member 581. The housing 580circumferentially surrounds the gear sets 520, 530 and 540 as well asthe torque-transmitting mechanisms 550, 552, 554, 556, 557 and 558. Thetransmission 500 further includes a first end wall 582 generally at oneend of the transmission 500 and a second end wall 584 generally at anopposing end of the transmission 500. The housing 580 joins the firstand second end walls 582, 584. It should be appreciated that the housing580 and the first and second end walls 582, 584 form a transmissioncasing, and may be integrated, or may each be a separate component orcomponents of the casing. The transmission casing may be referred toherein as 580, 582, 584. The transmission casing 580, 582, 584 defines acavity 585. The end walls 582 and 584 enclose the cavity 585 axially,but are likely a conical or irregular shape rather than a planar shapeas schematically depicted.

The planetary gear sets 520, 530, and 540 and torque-transmittingmechanisms 550, 552, 554, 556, 557, and 558 are located in the cavity585. The housing 580, end walls 582 and 584 and the planetary gear sets520, 530 and 540 cooperate to define five spaces or zones within thecavity 585. A first zone I is defined between an outer surface 586 ofthe first end wall 582 and a plane 588 running generally parallel with aside of the planetary gear set 520 adjacent the first end wall 582, andruns radially outward to a circumferential boundary 590 running along aradially-outermost periphery of each of the ring gear members 524, 534and 544. A second zone II is defined between a plane 592 runninggenerally parallel along a side of the planetary gear set 520 facing theplanetary gear set 530, a plane 594 running generally parallel along aside of the planetary gear set 530 facing the planetary gear set 520 andthe circumferential boundary 590. A third zone III is defined between aplane 595 running generally parallel along a side of the planetary gearset 530 facing the planetary gear set 540, a plane 596 running generallyparallel along a side of the planetary gear set 540 facing the planetarygear set 530 and the circumferential boundary 590. A fourth zone IV isdefined between a plane 597 running generally parallel along a side ofthe planetary gear set 540 facing the second end wall 584, an outersurface 598 of the second end wall 584 and the circumferential boundary590. A fifth zone V is defined between the circumferential boundary 590,an outer surface 599 of the housing 580, and the outer surfaces 586 and598 of the first and second end walls 582 and 584, respectively. Thestructural member 581 traverses zones II and V.

Torque-transmitting mechanisms 550, 552, 554, and 556 are rotating-typeclutches and torque-transmitting mechanisms 557 and 558 are brakes, alsoreferred to as reaction clutches. Torque-transmitting mechanism 550 isselectively engagable to connect the carrier member 546 for commonrotation with the ring gear member 534. The torque-transmittingmechanism 552 is selectively engagable to connect the input member 512and the sun gear member 542 for common rotation with the ring gearmember 534. The torque-transmitting mechanism 554 is selectivelyengagable to connect the carrier member 526 for common rotation with thecarrier member 546. The torque-transmitting mechanism 556 is selectivelyengagable to connect the input member 512 and the sun gear member 542for common rotation with the carrier member 526. The torque-transmittingmechanism 557 is selectively engagable to ground the carrier member 536(as well as the sun gear member 522 and ring gear member 544) to thetransmission housing 580 via the structural member 581. Thetorque-transmitting mechanism 558 is selectively engagable to ground thecarrier member 526 to the transmission housing 580 via the structuralmember 581.

The transmission 500 provides eight forward speed ratios and one reversespeed ratio between the input member 512 and the output member 514.Specifically, a reverse speed ratio is established by engagingtorque-transmitting mechanisms 552 and 558; a first forward speed ratiois established by engaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 554 and 558; asecond forward speed ratio is established by engagingtorque-transmitting mechanisms 554 and 557; a third forward speed ratiois established by engaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 550 and 554; afourth forward speed ratio is established by engagingtorque-transmitting mechanisms 552 and 554; a fifth forward speed ratiois established by engaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 554 and 556; asixth forward speed ratio is established by engaging torque-transmittingmechanisms 552 and 556; a seventh forward speed ratio is established byengaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 550 and 556; and an eighthforward speed ratio is established by engaging torque-transmittingmechanisms 556 and 557.

As shown in FIG. 6A, torque-transmitting mechanisms 554 and 556 arelocated in zone I; torque-transmitting mechanisms 557 and 558 arelocated in zone II; and torque-transmitting mechanisms 550 and 552 aredisposed in zone IV. Alternatively, the interconnections between thevarious gear members, the input member 512, the output member 514 andthe housing 580 obtained by selective engagement of the varioustorque-transmitting mechanism as described above are possible with thetorque-transmitting mechanisms 550, 552, 554, 556, 557 and 558 disposedin other zones as shown in the chart of FIG. 6B. An “X” in the chart ofFIG. 6B below indicates that the particular torque-transmittingmechanism is positionable in the referenced zone and an “O” indicatesthat the particular torque-transmitting mechanisms are not to be locatedin the referenced zone. It should be appreciated that the selection oflocation for the torque-transmitting mechanism of each row in the chartof FIG. 6B is feasible independently of the other rows. Accordingly,torque-transmitting mechanism 550 is locatable in any of four possiblezones; torque-transmitting mechanism 552 is locatable if any of fourpossible zones; torque-transmitting mechanism 554 is locatable in any ofthree possible zones; torque transmitting mechanism 556 is locatable inany of three possible zones; torque-transmitting mechanism 557 islocatable in any of four possible zones; and torque-transmittingmechanism 558 is locatable in any of three possible zones.

A seventh embodiment of a transmission 600 within the scope of theinvention is shown in FIG. 7A. Transmission 600 has an input member 612for receiving power from a power source such as an internal combustionengine and output member 614 for delivering power to a final drivemechanism such as the wheels of a vehicle.

The transmission 600 includes a gearing arrangement 616 having threeplanetary gear sets 620, 630 and 640 and six selectively engagabletorque-transmitting mechanisms 650, 652, 654, 656, 657 and 658. In theembodiment of FIG. 7A, planetary gear set 620 is the first planetarygear set, planetary gear set 630 is the second planetary gear set, andplanetary gear set 640 is the third planetary gear set.

Each planetary gear set 620, 630 and 640 includes rotatable componentsconcentric with a centerline 660 of the transmission 600. Specifically,planetary gear set 620 includes a sun gear member 622, a ring gearmember 624 and a carrier member 626 that rotatably supports a pluralityof pinion gears 627 that intermesh with both the sun gear member 622 andthe ring gear member 624. Planetary gear set 630 includes a sun gearmember 632, a ring gear member 634 and a carrier member 636 thatrotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears 637 that intermesh withboth the sun gear member 632 and the ring gear member 634. Planetarygear set 640 includes a sun gear member 642, a ring gear member 644 anda carrier member 646 that rotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears647 that intermesh with both the sun gear member 642 and the ring gearmember 644.

The input member 612 is continuously connected for common rotation withsun gear member 642. The output member 614 is continuously connected forcommon rotation with ring gear member 634. An interconnecting member 670continuously interconnects ring gear member 644 with carrier member 626and sun gear member 632. The interconnecting member 670 may be onecomponent or multiple components. The sun gear member 622 iscontinuously grounded to a housing 680 of the transmission 600 via aradially-extending structural member 681. The housing 680circumferentially surrounds the gear sets 620, 630 and 640 as well asthe torque-transmitting mechanisms 650, 652, 654, 656, 657 and 658. Thetransmission 600 further includes a first end wall 682 generally at oneend of the transmission 600 and a second end wall 684 generally at anopposing end of the transmission 600. The housing 680 joins the firstand second end walls 682, 684. It should be appreciated that the housing680 and the first and second end walls 682, 684 form a transmissioncasing, and may be integrated, or may each be a separate component orcomponents of the casing. The transmission casing may be referred toherein as 680, 682, 684. The transmission casing 680, 682, 684 defines acavity 685. The end walls 682 and 684 enclose the cavity 685 axially,but are likely a conical or irregular shape rather than a planar shapeas schematically depicted.

The planetary gear sets 620, 630, and 640 and torque-transmittingmechanisms 650, 652, 654, 656, 657, and 658 are located in the cavity685.

The housing 680, end walls 682 and 684 and the planetary gear sets 620,630 and 640 cooperate to define five spaces or zones in the cavity 685.A first zone I is defined between an outer surface 686 of the first endwall 682 and a plane 688 running generally parallel with a side of theplanetary gear set 620 adjacent the first end wall 682, and runsradially outward to a circumferential boundary 690 running along aradially-outermost periphery of each of the ring gear members 624, 634and 644. A second zone II is defined between a plane 692 runninggenerally parallel along a side of the planetary gear set 620 facing theplanetary gear set 630, a plane 694 running generally parallel along aside of the planetary gear set 630 facing the planetary gear set 620 andthe circumferential boundary 690. A third zone III is defined between aplane 695 running generally parallel along a side of the planetary gearset 630 facing the planetary gear set 640, a plane 696 running generallyparallel along a side of the planetary gear set 640 facing the planetarygear set 630 and the circumferential boundary 690. A fourth zone IV isdefined between a plane 697 running generally parallel along a side ofthe planetary gear set 640 facing the second end wall 684, an outersurface 698 of the second end wall 684 and the circumferential boundary690. A fifth zone V is defined between the circumferential boundary 690,an outer surface 699 of the housing 680, and the outer surfaces 686 and698 of the first and second end walls 682 and 684, respectively. Thestructural member 681 traverses zones I and V.

Torque-transmitting mechanisms 650, 652, 654, and 656 are rotating-typeclutches and torque-transmitting mechanisms 657 and 658 are brakes, alsoreferred to as reaction clutches. Torque-transmitting mechanism 650 isselectively engagable to connect the carrier member 646 for commonrotation with the ring gear member 624. The torque-transmittingmechanism 652 is selectively engagable to connect the input member 612and sun gear member 642 for common rotation with the ring gear member624. The torque-transmitting mechanism 654 is selectively engagable toconnect the carrier member 636 for common rotation with the carriermember 646. The torque-transmitting mechanism 656 is selectivelyengagable to connect the input member 612 and the sun gear member 642for common rotation with the carrier member 636. The torque-transmittingmechanism 657 is selectively engagable to ground the carrier member 626(as well as the sun gear member 632 and ring gear member 644) to thetransmission housing 680 via the structural member 681. Thetorque-transmitting mechanism 658 is selectively engagable to ground thecarrier member 636 to the transmission housing 680 via the structuralmember 681.

The transmission 600 provides eight forward speed ratios and one reversespeed ratio between the input member 612 and the output member 614.Specifically, a reverse speed ratio is established by engagingtorque-transmitting mechanisms 652 and 658; a first forward speed ratiois established by engaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 654 and 658; asecond forward speed ratio is established by engagingtorque-transmitting mechanisms 654 and 657; a third forward speed ratiois established by engaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 650 and 654; afourth forward speed ratio is established by engagingtorque-transmitting mechanisms 652 and 654; a fifth forward speed ratiois established by engaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 654 and 656; asixth forward speed ratio is established by engaging torque-transmittingmechanisms 652 and 656; a seventh forward speed ratio is established byengaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 650 and 656; and an eighthforward speed ratio is established by engaging torque-transmittingmechanisms 656 and 657.

As shown in FIG. 7A, torque-transmitting mechanism 657 is located inzone I; torque-transmitting mechanism 652 is located in zone II;torque-transmitting mechanism 650 is disposed in zone III;torque-transmitting mechanisms 654 and 656 are disposed in zone IV; andtorque-transmitting mechanism 658 is disposed in zone V. Alternatively,the interconnections between the various gear members, the input member612, the output member 614 and the housing 680 obtained by selectiveengagement of the various torque-transmitting mechanism as describedabove are possible with the torque-transmitting mechanisms 650, 652,654, 656, 657 and 658 disposed in other zones as shown in the chart ofFIG. 7B. An “X” in the chart of FIG. 7B indicates that the particulartorque-transmitting mechanism is positionable in the referenced zone andan “O” indicates that the particular torque-transmitting mechanisms arenot to be located in the referenced zone. It should be appreciated thatthe selection of location for the torque-transmitting mechanism of eachrow in the chart of FIG. 7B is feasible independently of the other rows.Accordingly, torque-transmitting mechanism 650 is locatable in any ofthree possible zones; torque-transmitting mechanism 652 is locatable ifany of three possible zones; torque-transmitting mechanism 654 islocatable in any of three possible zones; torque transmitting mechanism656 is locatable in any of three possible zones; torque-transmittingmechanism 657 is locatable in any of the three possible zones; andtorque-transmitting mechanism 658 is locatable in any of three possiblezones.

An eighth embodiment of a transmission 700 within the scope of theinvention is shown in FIG. 8A. Transmission 700 has an input member 712for receiving power from a power source such as an internal combustionengine and output member 714 for delivering power to a final drivemechanism such as the wheels of a vehicle. Both the input member 712 andthe output member 714 extend through a first end wall 782 of thetransmission 700.

The transmission 700 includes a gearing arrangement 716 having threeplanetary gear sets 720, 730 and 740 and six selectively engagabletorque-transmitting mechanisms 750, 752, 754, 756, 757 and 758. In theembodiment of FIG. 8A, planetary gear set 740 is the first planetarygear set, planetary gear set 730 is the second planetary gear set, andplanetary gear set 720 is the third planetary gear set.

Each planetary gear set 720, 730 and 740 includes rotatable componentsconcentric with a centerline 760 of the transmission 700. Specifically,planetary gear set 720 includes a sun gear member 722, a ring gearmember 724 and a carrier member 726 that rotatably supports a pluralityof pinion gears 727 that intermesh with both the sun gear member 722 andthe ring gear member 724. Planetary gear set 730 includes a sun gearmember 732, a ring gear member 734 and a carrier member 736 thatrotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears 737 that intermesh withboth the sun gear member 732 and the ring gear member 734. Planetarygear set 740 includes a sun gear member 742, a ring gear member 744 anda carrier member 746 that rotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears747 that intermesh with both the sun gear member 742 and the ring gearmember 744.

The input member 712 is continuously connected for common rotation withsun gear member 722. The output member 714 is continuously connected forcommon rotation with ring gear member 734. An interconnecting member 770continuously interconnects ring gear member 724 with carrier member 746and sun gear member 732. The interconnecting member 770 may be onecomponent or multiple components. The sun gear member 742 iscontinuously grounded to a housing 780 of the transmission 700 via aradially-extending structural member 781. The housing 780circumferentially surrounds the gear sets 720, 730 and 740 as well asthe torque-transmitting mechanisms 750, 752, 754, 756, 757 and 758. Thetransmission 700 further includes a first end wall 782 generally at oneend of the transmission 700 and a second end wall 784 generally at anopposing end of the transmission 700. The housing 780 joins the firstand second end walls 782, 784. It should be appreciated that the housing80 and the first and second end walls 782, 784 form a transmissioncasing, and may be integrated, or may each be a separate component orcomponents of the casing. The transmission casing may be referred toherein as 780, 782, 784. The transmission casing 780, 782, 784 defines acavity 785. The end walls 782 and 784 enclose the cavity 785 axially,but are likely a conical or irregular shape rather than a planar shapeas schematically depicted.

The planetary gear sets 720, 730, and 740 and torque-transmittingmechanisms 750, 752, 754, 756, 757, and 758 are located in the cavity785. The housing 780, end walls 782 and 784 and the planetary gear sets720, 730 and 740 cooperate to define five spaces or zones in the cavity785. A first zone I is defined between an outer surface 786 of the firstend wall 782 and a plane 788 running generally parallel with a side ofthe planetary gear set 720 adjacent the first end wall 782, and runsradially outward to a circumferential boundary 790 running along aradially-outermost periphery of each of the ring gear members 724, 734and 744. A second zone II is defined between a plane 792 runninggenerally parallel along a side of the planetary gear set 720 facing theplanetary gear set 730, a plane 794 running generally parallel along aside of the planetary gear set 730 facing the planetary gear set 720 andthe circumferential boundary 790. A third zone III is defined between aplane 795 running generally parallel along a side of the planetary gearset 730 facing the planetary gear set 740, a plane 796 running generallyparallel along a side of the planetary gear set 740 facing the planetarygear set 530 and the circumferential boundary 790. A fourth zone IV isdefined between a plane 797 running generally parallel along a side ofthe planetary gear set 740 facing the second end wall 784, an outersurface 798 of the second end wall 784 and the circumferential boundary790. A fifth zone V is defined between the circumferential boundary 790,an outer surface 799 of the housing 780, and the outer surfaces 786 and798 of the first and second end walls 782 and 784, respectively. Thestructural member 781 traverses zones III and V.

Torque-transmitting mechanisms 750, 752, 754, and 756 are rotating-typeclutches and torque-transmitting mechanisms 757 and 758 are brakes, alsoreferred to as reaction clutches. Torque-transmitting mechanism 750 isselectively engagable to connect the carrier member 726 for commonrotation with the ring gear member 744. The torque-transmittingmechanism 752 is selectively engagable to connect the input member 712and the sun gear member 722 for common rotation with the ring gearmember 744. The torque-transmitting mechanism 754 is selectivelyengagable to connect the carrier member 726 for common rotation with thecarrier member 736. The torque-transmitting mechanism 756 is selectivelyengagable to connect the input member 712 and the sun gear member 722for common rotation with the carrier member 736. The torque-transmittingmechanism 757 is selectively engagable to ground the carrier member 746(as well as the sun gear member 732 and ring gear member 724) to thetransmission housing 780 via the structural member 781. Thetorque-transmitting mechanism 758 is selectively engagable to ground thecarrier member 736 to the transmission housing 780 via the structuralmember 781.

The transmission 700 provides eight forward speed ratios and one reversespeed ratio between the input member 712 and the output member 714.Specifically, a reverse speed ratio is established by engagingtorque-transmitting mechanisms 752 and 758; a first forward speed ratiois established by engaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 754 and 758; asecond forward speed ratio is established by engagingtorque-transmitting mechanisms 754 and 757; a third forward speed ratiois established by engaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 750 and 754; afourth forward speed ratio is established by engagingtorque-transmitting mechanisms 752 and 754; a fifth forward speed ratiois established by engaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 754 and 756; asixth forward speed ratio is established by engaging torque-transmittingmechanisms 752 and 756; a seventh forward speed ratio is established byengaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 750 and 756; and an eighthforward speed ratio is established by engaging torque-transmittingmechanisms 756 and 757.

As shown in FIG. 8A, torque-transmitting mechanisms 754 and 756 arelocated in zone I; and torque-transmitting mechanisms 750, 752, 757 and758 are located in zone III. Alternatively, the interconnections betweenthe various gear members, the input member 712, the output member 714and the housing 780 obtained by selective engagement of the varioustorque-transmitting mechanism as described above are possible with thetorque-transmitting mechanisms 750, 752, 754, 756, 757 and 758 disposedin other zones as shown in the chart of FIG. 8B below. An “X” in thechart of FIG. 8B indicates that the particular torque-transmittingmechanism is positionable in the referenced zone and an “O” indicatesthat the particular torque-transmitting mechanisms are not to be locatedin the referenced zone. It should be appreciated that the selection oflocation for the torque-transmitting mechanism of each row in the chartof FIG. 8B is feasible independently of the other rows. Accordingly,torque-transmitting mechanism 750 is locatable in any of three possiblezones; torque-transmitting mechanism 752 is locatable if any of threepossible zones; torque-transmitting mechanism 754 is locatable in any ofthree possible zones; torque transmitting mechanism 756 is locatable inany of three possible zones; torque-transmitting mechanism 757 islocatable in any of four possible zones; and torque-transmittingmechanism 758 is locatable in any of three possible zones.

A ninth embodiment of a transmission 800 within the scope of theinvention is shown in FIG. 9A. Transmission 800 has an input member 812for receiving power from a power source such as an internal combustionengine and output member 814 for delivering power to a final drivemechanism such as the wheels of a vehicle.

The transmission 800 includes a gearing arrangement 816 having threeplanetary gear sets 820, 830 and 840 and six selectively engagabletorque-transmitting mechanisms 850, 852, 854, 856, 857 and 858. In theembodiment of FIG. 9A, planetary gear set 820 is the first planetarygear set, planetary gear set 830 is the second planetary gear set, andplanetary gear set 840 is the third planetary gear set.

Each planetary gear set 820, 830 and 840 includes rotatable componentsconcentric with a centerline 860 of the transmission 800. Specifically,planetary gear set 820 includes a sun gear member 822, a ring gearmember 824 and a carrier member 826 that rotatably supports a pluralityof pinion gears 827 that intermesh with both the sun gear member 822 andthe ring gear member 824. Planetary gear set 830 includes a sun gearmember 832, a ring gear member 834 and a carrier member 836 thatrotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears 837 that intermesh withboth the sun gear member 832 and the ring gear member 834. Planetarygear set 840 includes a sun gear member 842, a ring gear member 844 anda carrier member 846 that rotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears847 that intermesh with both the sun gear member 842 and the ring gearmember 844.

The input member 812 is continuously connected for common rotation withsun gear member 842. The output member 814 is continuously connected forcommon rotation with ring gear member 834. An interconnecting member 870continuously interconnects ring gear member 844 with carrier member 826and sun gear member 832. The interconnecting member 870 may be onecomponent or multiple components. The sun gear member 822 iscontinuously grounded to a housing 880 of the transmission 800 via aradially-extending structural member 881. The housing 880circumferentially surrounds the gear sets 820, 830 and 840 as well asthe torque-transmitting mechanisms 850, 852, 854, 856, 857 and 858. Thetransmission 800 further includes a first end wall 882 generally at oneend of the transmission 800 and a second end wall 884 generally at anopposing end of the transmission 800. The housing 880 joins the firstand second end walls 882, 884. It should be appreciated that the housing880 and the first and second end walls 882, 884 form a transmissioncasing, and may be integrated, or may each be a separate component orcomponents of the casing. The transmission casing may be referred toherein as 880, 882, 884. The transmission casing 880, 882, 884 defines acavity 885. The end walls 882 and 884 enclose the cavity 885 axially,but are likely a conical or irregular shape rather than a planar shapeas schematically depicted.

The planetary gear sets 820, 830, and 840 and torque-transmittingmechanisms 850, 852, 854, 856, 857, and 858 are located in the cavity885. The housing 880, end walls 882 and 884 and the planetary gear sets820, 830 and 840 cooperate to define five spaces or zones in the cavity885. A first zone I is defined between an outer surface 886 of the firstend wall 882 and a plane 888 running generally parallel with a side ofthe planetary gear set 820 adjacent the first end wall 882, and runsradially outward to a circumferential boundary 890 running along aradially-outermost periphery of each of the ring gear members 824, 834and 844. A second zone II is defined between a plane 892 runninggenerally parallel along a side of the planetary gear set 820 facing theplanetary gear set 830, a plane 894 running generally parallel along aside of the planetary gear set 830 facing the planetary gear set 820 andthe circumferential boundary 890. A third zone III is defined between aplane 895 running generally parallel along a side of the planetary gearset 830 facing the planetary gear set 840, a plane 896 running generallyparallel along a side of the planetary gear set 840 facing the planetarygear set 830 and the circumferential boundary 890. A fourth zone IV isdefined between a plane 897 running generally parallel along a side ofthe planetary gear set 840 facing the second end wall 884, an outersurface 898 of the second end wall 884 and the circumferential boundary890. A fifth zone V is defined between the circumferential boundary 890,an outer surface 899 of the housing 880, and the outer surfaces 886 and898 of the first and second end walls 882 and 884, respectively. Thestructural member 881 traverses zones II and V.

Torque-transmitting mechanisms 850, 852, 854, and 856 are rotating-typeclutches and torque-transmitting mechanisms 857 and 858 are brakes, alsoreferred to as reaction clutches. Torque-transmitting mechanism 850 isselectively engagable to connect the carrier member 846 for commonrotation with the ring gear member 824. The torque-transmittingmechanism 852 is selectively engagable to connect the input member 812for common rotation with the ring gear member 824. Thetorque-transmitting mechanism 854 is selectively engagable to connectthe carrier member 846 for common rotation with the carrier member 836.The torque-transmitting mechanism 856 is selectively engagable toconnect the input member 812 and the sun gear member 842 for commonrotation with the carrier member 836. The torque-transmitting mechanism857 is selectively engagable to ground the carrier member 826 (as wellas the sun gear member 832 and ring gear member 844) to the transmissionhousing 880 via the structural member 881. The torque-transmittingmechanism 858 is selectively engagable to ground the carrier member 836to the transmission housing 880 via the structural member 881.

The transmission 800 provides eight forward speed ratios and one reversespeed ratio between the input member 812 and the output member 814.Specifically, a reverse speed ratio is established by engagingtorque-transmitting mechanisms 852 and 858; a first forward speed ratiois established by engaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 854 and 858; asecond forward speed ratio is established by engagingtorque-transmitting mechanisms 854 and 857; a third forward speed ratiois established by engaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 850 and 854; afourth forward speed ratio is established by engagingtorque-transmitting mechanisms 852 and 854; a fifth forward speed ratiois established by engaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 854 and 856; asixth forward speed ratio is established by engaging torque-transmittingmechanisms 852 and 856; a seventh forward speed ratio is established byengaging torque-transmitting mechanisms 850 and 856; and an eighthforward speed ratio is established by engaging torque-transmittingmechanisms 856 and 857.

As shown in FIG. 9A, torque-transmitting mechanism 852 is located inzone I; torque-transmitting mechanisms 857 and 858 are located in zoneII; torque-transmitting mechanism 850 is disposed in zone III; andtorque-transmitting mechanisms 854 and 856 are disposed in zone IV.Alternatively, the interconnections between the various gear members,the input member 812, the output member 814 and the housing 880 obtainedby selective engagement of the various torque-transmitting mechanism asdescribed above are possible with the torque-transmitting mechanisms850, 852, 854, 856, 857 and 858 disposed in other zones as shown in thechart of FIG. 9B. An “X” in the chart of FIG. 9B indicates that theparticular torque-transmitting mechanism is positionable in thereferenced zone and an “O” indicates that the particulartorque-transmitting mechanisms are not to be located in the referencedzone. It should be appreciated that the selection of location for thetorque-transmitting mechanism of each row in the chart of FIG. 9B isfeasible independently of the other rows. Accordingly,torque-transmitting mechanism 850 is locatable in any of four possiblezones; torque-transmitting mechanism 852 is locatable if any of fourpossible zones; torque-transmitting mechanism 854 is locatable in any ofthree possible zones; torque transmitting mechanism 856 is locatable inany of three possible zones; torque-transmitting mechanism 857 islocatable in any of the three possible zones; and torque-transmittingmechanism 858 is locatable in any of two possible zones.

While the best modes for carrying out the invention have been describedin detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relateswill recognize various alternative designs and embodiments forpracticing the invention within the scope of the appended claims.

1. A multi-speed transmission comprising: a transmission casing having afirst end wall, a second end wall, and a housing portion interconnectingthe first end wall and the second end wall; wherein the end walls andthe housing portion define a cavity; an input member; an output member;first, second and third planetary gear sets within the cavity, eachplanetary gear set having a sun gear member, a ring gear member, and acarrier member rotatably supporting a plurality of pinion earsintermeshing with both the sun gear member and the ring gear member;wherein the transmission casing and the planetary gear sets define fivezones within the cavity, including a first zone extending axially fromthe first end wall to one of the planetary gear sets, a second and athird zone each extending axially between different adjacent pairs ofthe planetary gear sets, a fourth zone extending axially from anotherone of the planetary gear sets to the second end wall; the first,second, third, and fourth zones extending radially to an outer peripheryof a radially-outermost one of the ring gear members, and a fifth zonebordering the first, second, third and fourth zones and extendingradially outward to the housing portion and axially between the firstand second walls; an interconnecting member continuously interconnectingfor common rotation the carrier member of the first planetary gear set,the sun gear member of the second planetary gear set and the ring gearmember of the third planetary gear set; six torque-transmittingmechanisms located in at least one of the zones; a radially-extendingstructural member connected to the transmission casing; wherein the sungear member of the first planetary gear set is continuously grounded tothe transmission casing via the radially-extending structural member;wherein at least one of the torque-transmitting mechanisms selectivelygrounds one of the members of one of the planetary gear sets to thetransmission housing via the radially-extending structural member; andwherein the six torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engagablein different combinations to provide eight forward speed ratios and areverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member. 2.The transmission of claim 1, wherein the input member is continuouslyinterconnected for common rotation with the sun gear member of the thirdplanetary gear set; and wherein the output member is continuouslyinterconnected for common rotation with the ring gear member of thesecond planetary gear set.
 3. The multi-speed transmission of claim 1,wherein the six torque-transmitting mechanisms include fourrotating-type clutches and two stationary-type clutches; and wherein thetwo stationary type clutches ground the carrier members of the first andsecond planetary gear sets to the transmission housing via theradially-extending structural member.
 4. The multi-speed transmission ofclaim 1, wherein the planetary gear sets are positioned in the cavityfrom the first end wall to the second end wall in the order of thirdplanetary gear set, first planetary gear set, and second planetary gearset.
 5. The multi-speed transmission of claim 4, wherein a first of thetorque-transmitting mechanisms is located in the fifth zone and isselectively engagable to connect the carrier member of the thirdplanetary gear set for common rotation with the ring gear member of thefirst planetary gear set; wherein a second of the torque-transmittingmechanisms is located in the fifth zone and is selectively engagable toconnect the sun gear member of the third planetary gear set with thering gear member of the first planetary gear set; wherein a third of thetorque-transmitting mechanisms is located in the second zone and isselectively engagable to connect the carrier member of the thirdplanetary gear set for common rotation with the carrier member of thesecond planetary gear set; wherein a fourth of the torque-transmittingmechanisms is located in the second zone and is selectively engagable toconnect the sun gear member of the third planetary gear set for commonrotation with the carrier member of the second planetary gear set;wherein a fifth of the torque-transmitting mechanisms is located in thethird zone and is selectively engagable to ground the carrier member ofthe first planetary gear set to the transmission housing via theradially-extending structural member; and wherein a sixth of thetorque-transmitting mechanisms is located in the third zone and isselectively engagable to ground the carrier member of the secondplanetary gear set to the transmission housing via theradially-extending structural member.
 6. The multi-speed transmission ofclaim 1, wherein the planetary gear sets are positioned in the cavityfrom the first end wall to the second end wall in the order of secondplanetary gear set, third planetary gear set, and first planetary gearset.
 7. The multi-speed transmission of claim 6, wherein a first of thetorque-transmitting mechanisms is located in the third zone and isselectively engagable to connect the carrier member of the thirdplanetary gear set for common rotation with the ring gear member of thefirst planetary gear set; wherein a second of the torque-transmittingmechanisms is located in the third zone and is selectively engagable toconnect the sun gear member of the third planetary gear set with thering gear member of the first planetary gear set; wherein a third of thetorque-transmitting mechanisms is located in the second zone and isselectively engagable to connect the carrier member of the thirdplanetary gear set for common rotation with the carrier member of thesecond planetary gear set; wherein a fourth of the torque-transmittingmechanisms is located in the first zone and is selectively engagable toconnect the sun gear member of the third planetary gear set for commonrotation with the carrier member of the second planetary gear set;wherein a fifth of the torque-transmitting mechanisms is located in thefifth zone and is selectively engagable to ground the carrier member ofthe first planetary gear set to the transmission housing via theradially-extending structural member; and wherein a sixth of thetorque-transmitting mechanisms is located in the second zone and isselectively engagable to ground the carrier member of the secondplanetary gear set to the transmission housing via theradially-extending structural member.
 8. The multi-speed transmission ofclaim 6, wherein a first of the torque-transmitting mechanisms islocated in the third zone and is selectively engagable to connect thecarrier member of the third planetary gear set for common rotation withthe ring gear member of the first planetary gear set; wherein a secondof the torque-transmitting mechanisms is located in the third zone andis selectively engagable to connect the sun gear member of the thirdplanetary gear set for common rotation with the ring gear member of thefirst planetary gear set; wherein a third of the torque-transmittingmechanisms is located in the second zone and is selectively engagable toconnect the carrier member of the third planetary gear set for commonrotation with the carrier member of the second planetary gear set;wherein a fourth of the torque-transmitting mechanisms is located in thefirst zone and is selectively engagable to connect the sun gear memberof the third planetary gear set for common rotation with the carriermember of the second planetary gear set; wherein a fifth of thetorque-transmitting mechanisms is located in the fourth zone and isselectively engagable to ground the carrier member of the firstplanetary gear set to the transmission housing via theradially-extending structural member; and wherein a sixth of thetorque-transmitting mechanisms is located in the fifth zone and isselectively engagable to ground the carrier member of the secondplanetary gear set to the transmission housing via theradially-extending structural member.
 9. The multi-speed transmission ofclaim 1, wherein the planetary gear sets are positioned in the cavityfrom the first end wall to the second end wall in the order of firstplanetary gear set, third planetary gear set, and second planetary gearset.
 10. The multi-speed transmission of claim 9, wherein a first of thetorque-transmitting mechanisms is located in the second zone and isselectively engagable to connect the carrier member of the thirdplanetary gear set for common rotation with the ring gear member of thefirst planetary gear set; wherein a second of the torque-transmittingmechanisms is located in the second zone and is selectively engagable toconnect the sun gear member of the third planetary gear set for commonrotation with the ring gear member of the first planetary gear set;wherein a third of the torque-transmitting mechanisms is located in thethird zone and is selectively engagable to connect the carrier member ofthe third planetary gear set for common rotation with the carrier memberof the second planetary gear set; wherein a fourth of thetorque-transmitting mechanisms is located in the fourth zone and isselectively engagable to connect the sun gear member of the thirdplanetary gear set for common rotation with the carrier member of thesecond planetary gear set; wherein a fifth of the torque-transmittingmechanisms is located in the first zone and is selectively engagable toground the carrier member of the first planetary gear set to thetransmission housing via the radially-extending structural member; andwherein a sixth of the torque-transmitting mechanisms is located in thefifth zone and is selectively engagable to ground the carrier member ofthe second planetary gear set to the transmission housing via theradially-extending structural member.
 11. The multi-speed transmissionof claim 9, wherein a first of the torque-transmitting mechanisms islocated in the second zone and is selectively engagable to connect thecarrier member of the third planetary gear set for common rotation withthe ring gear member of the first planetary gear set; wherein a secondof the torque-transmitting mechanisms is located in the first zone andis selectively engagable to connect the sun gear member of the thirdplanetary gear set with the ring gear member of the first planetary gearset; wherein a third of the torque-transmitting mechanisms is located inthe third zone and is selectively engagable to connect the carriermember of the third planetary gear set for common rotation with thecarrier member of the second planetary gear set; wherein a fourth of thetorque-transmitting mechanisms is located in the fourth zone and isselectively engagable to connect the sun gear member of the thirdplanetary gear set for common rotation with the carrier member of thesecond planetary gear set; wherein a fifth of the torque-transmittingmechanisms is located in the second zone and is selectively engagable toground the carrier member of the first planetary gear set to thetransmission housing via the radially-extending structural member; andwherein a sixth of the torque-transmitting mechanisms is located in thefifth zone and is selectively engagable to ground the carrier member ofthe second planetary gear set to the transmission housing via theradially-extending structural member.
 12. The multi-speed transmissionof claim 1, wherein the planetary gear sets are positioned in the cavityfrom the first end wall to the second end wall in the order of secondplanetary gear set, first planetary gear set, and third planetary gearset.
 13. The multi-speed transmission of claim 12, wherein a first ofthe torque-transmitting mechanisms is located in the fourth zone and isselectively engagable to connect the carrier member of the thirdplanetary gear set for common rotation with the ring gear member of thefirst planetary gear set; wherein a second of the torque-transmittingmechanisms is located in the fourth zone and is selectively engagable toconnect the sun gear member of the third planetary gear set for commonrotation with the ring gear member of the first planetary gear set;wherein a third of the torque-transmitting mechanisms is located in thefirst zone and is selectively engagable to connect the carrier member ofthe third planetary gear set for common rotation with the carrier memberof the second planetary gear set; wherein a fourth of thetorque-transmitting mechanisms is located in the first zone and isselectively engagable to connect the sun gear member of the thirdplanetary gear set for common rotation with the carrier member of thesecond planetary gear set; wherein a fifth of the torque-transmittingmechanisms is located in the second zone and is selectively engagable toground the carrier member of the first planetary gear set to thetransmission housing via the radially-extending structural member; andwherein a sixth of the torque-transmitting mechanisms is located in thesecond zone and is selectively engagable to ground the carrier member ofthe second planetary gear set to the transmission housing via theradially-extending structural member.
 13. (canceled)
 14. The multi-speedtransmission of claim 13, wherein a first of the torque-transmittingmechanisms is located in the third zone and is selectively engagable toconnect the carrier member of the third planetary gear set for commonrotation with the ring gear member of the first planetary gear set;wherein a second of the torque-transmitting mechanisms is located in thesecond zone and is selectively engagable to connect the sun gear memberof the third planetary gear set for common rotation with the ring gearmember of the first planetary gear set; wherein a third of thetorque-transmitting mechanisms is located in the fourth zone and isselectively engagable to connect the carrier member of the thirdplanetary gear set for common rotation with the carrier member of thesecond planetary gear set; wherein a fourth of the torque-transmittingmechanisms is located in the fourth zone and is selectively engagable toconnect the sun gear member of the third planetary gear set for commonrotation with the carrier member of the second planetary gear set;wherein a fifth of the torque-transmitting mechanisms is located in thefirst zone and is selectively engagable to ground the carrier member ofthe first planetary gear set to the transmission housing via theradially-extending structural member; and wherein a sixth of thetorque-transmitting mechanisms is located in the fifth zone and isselectively engagable to ground the carrier member of the secondplanetary gear set to the transmission housing via theradially-extending structural member.
 15. The multi-speed transmissionof claim 13, wherein a first of the torque-transmitting mechanisms islocated in the third zone and is selectively engagable to connect thecarrier member of the third planetary gear set for common rotation withthe ring gear member of the first planetary gear set; wherein a secondof the torque-transmitting mechanisms is located in the first zone andis selectively engagable to connect the sun gear member of the thirdplanetary gear set for common rotation with the ring gear member of thefirst planetary gear set; wherein a third of the torque-transmittingmechanisms is located in the fourth zone and is selectively engagable toconnect the carrier member of the third planetary gear set for commonrotation with the carrier member of the second planetary gear set;wherein a fourth of the torque-transmitting mechanisms is located in thefourth zone and is selectively engagable to connect the sun gear memberof the third planetary gear set for common rotation with the carriermember of the second planetary gear set; wherein a fifth of thetorque-transmitting mechanisms is located in the second zone and isselectively engagable to ground the carrier member of the firstplanetary gear set to the transmission housing via theradially-extending structural member; and wherein a sixth of thetorque-transmitting mechanisms is located in the second zone and isselectively engagable to ground the carrier member of the secondplanetary gear set to the transmission housing via theradially-extending structural member.
 16. The multi-speed transmissionof claim 1, wherein the planetary gear sets are positioned in the cavityfrom the first end wall to the second end wall in the order of thirdplanetary gear set, second planetary gear set, and first planetary gearset.
 17. The multi-speed transmission of claim 16, wherein a first ofthe torque-transmitting mechanisms is located in the third zone and isselectively engagable to connect the carrier member of the thirdplanetary gear set for common rotation with the ring gear member of thefirst planetary gear set; wherein a second of the torque-transmittingmechanisms is located in the third zone and is selectively engagable toconnect the sun gear member of the third planetary gear set for commonrotation with the ring gear member of the first planetary gear set;wherein a third of the torque-transmitting mechanisms is located in thefirst zone and is selectively engagable to connect the carrier member ofthe third planetary gear set for common rotation with the carrier memberof the second planetary gear set; wherein a fourth of thetorque-transmitting mechanisms is located in the first zone and isselectively engagable to connect the sun gear member of the thirdplanetary gear set for common rotation with the carrier member of thesecond planetary gear set; wherein a fifth of the torque-transmittingmechanisms is located in the third zone and is selectively engagable toground the carrier member of the first planetary gear set to thetransmission housing via the radially-extending structural member; andwherein a sixth of the torque-transmitting mechanisms is located in thethird zone and is selectively engagable to ground the carrier member ofthe second planetary gear set to the transmission housing via theradially-extending structural member.
 18. A multi-speed transmissioncomprising: a transmission casing having a first end wall, a second endwall, and a housing portion interconnecting the first end wall and thesecond end wall; wherein the end walls and the housing portion define acavity; an input member; an output member; first, second and thirdplanetary gear sets within the cavity, each planetary gear set having asun gear member, a ring gear member, and a carrier member rotatablysupporting a plurality of pinion gears intermeshing with both the sungear member and the ring gear member; wherein the planetary gear setsare arranged in order from the first end wall to the second end wall asone of: first, third, second; second, first, third; second, third,first; third, first, second; and third, second, first; wherein thetransmission casing and the planetary gear sets define five zones withinthe cavity, including a first zone extending axially from the first endwall to one of the planetary gear sets, a second and a third zone eachextending axially between different adjacent pairs of the planetary gearsets, a fourth zone extending axially from another one of the planetarygear sets to the second end wall; the first, second, third, and fourthzones extending radially to an outer periphery of a radially outermostone of the ring gear members, and a fifth zone bordering the first,second, third and fourth zones and extending radially outward to thehousing portion and axially between the first and second walls; whereinthe sun gear member of the first planetary gear set is grounded to thetransmission casing; an interconnecting member continuouslyinterconnecting for common rotation the carrier member of the firstplanetary gear set, the sun gear member of the second planetary gear setand the ring gear member of the third planetary gear set; sixtorque-transmitting mechanisms located in at least one of the zones; andwherein the six torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engagablein different combinations to provide eight forward speed ratios and areverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member19-204. (canceled)
 205. The multi-speed transmission of claim 1, whereinthe planetary gear sets are positioned in the cavity from the first endwall to the second end wall in the order of first planetary gear set,second planetary gear set, and third planetary gear set.